Container delivery

How is a shipping container delivered?

When you buy a shipping container, delivery usually starts with transport by a specialist container truck to your location. The container is then placed directly in the desired position using a crane or tilt mechanism. In this article we explain how shipping-container transport and placement work, and what to consider when placing a container on site.

Truck-mounted crane and sideloader
On-site delivery
Space and accessibility

Placement of a used office container in a garden with a truck and lorry-mounted crane.

Lorry crane or sideloader for the transport and placement of a shipping container?

For shipping container delivery and placement, two transport methods are typically used: a self-loading crane or a sideloader. Both systems have their own advantages depending on the container size, the available space for placement, and how the container needs to be positioned on site.

Up to 20ft

Truck-mounted crane

A truck-mounted crane is often used for containers up to 20ft. This transport method usually offers more reach when placing the container, which often makes sea container delivery to more difficult locations possible.

Truck-mounted crane placing a shipping container

Mainly 40ft containers

Side loader

A sideloader is often used for 40ft sea containers. This system is efficient for offloading a container alongside the truck, but generally has less reach than a truck-mounted crane.

Sideloader unloading a 40ft shipping container
Comparison
Truck-mounted crane
Side loader
Suitable for

Containers up to 20ft

Especially 40ft sea containers

Reach during placement

Often greater reach, allowing for placement further from the truck

More limited reach; the container usually needs to be placed closer to the truck

Posting space

Useful in locations where extra reach is needed

Operates efficiently when sufficient space is available directly next to the truck

Speed of unloading

Efficient, but dependent on crane work and positioning

Often, it can be unloaded quickly and close to the vehicle.

Best choice when

The container needs to be placed further from the truck or the location is less accessible

A 40ft container can be placed right next to the vehicle in an easily accessible spot

Important: the exact reach and placement options always depend on the location, surface, obstacles, and type of vehicle. Are you unsure about the accessibility or placement of the shipping container? Then have photos of the situation assessed in advance.

Is there enough space to deliver and place a sea container?

For safe delivery of a sea container, the location must be easy for the truck to access and there must be enough space to unload and place the container. In many situations a container can be delivered without problems, as long as the location is accessible for container transport.

Truck turning circle for container transport

Truck turning circle

Container transport is carried out with a truck and trailer. This means enough space is needed to manoeuvre or turn. On average, around 15 to 20 metres of straight space is needed for safe delivery.

Minimum clearance height for container transport

Minimum clearance height

When the truck has to drive through a gate, driveway or narrow road, sufficient height is important. Container transport requires at least 4.15 metres of clearance height. During container placement, even more height may temporarily be needed.

Space needed for a truck-mounted crane and sideloader when placing a sea container

Space for placement

The illustration above shows how much space is needed to place a sea container. The yellow zone shows the space needed for the truck and for stabilising the crane. This usually requires around 5 metres of width so the truck can stand safely while placing the container.

The light green area shows where a container can usually be placed with a truck-mounted crane. This has more reach, allowing the container to be placed farther away from the truck.

The dark green area shows where a container can be placed with a sideloader. In this case the container is usually placed parallel next to the truck and the sideways reach is more limited. As a result, when delivered with a sideloader, the container often needs to be placed closer beside the truck than with a truck-mounted crane.

Not sure whether there is enough space for delivery? Send photos of the location or contact us, and we will assess whether placement is possible.
Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about container delivery. No answer? Send a message via the chat.

How is a sea container delivered to me?

A shipping container is usually delivered by a truck equipped with a truck-mounted crane or a sideloader. The method used depends on the container size, site accessibility and the exact location where the container needs to be placed. In many cases, the container can be positioned directly in the desired spot.

Will the shipping container be placed directly in the correct location?

Yes, in many cases. The container is placed immediately at the agreed location upon delivery, provided the location is easily accessible and there is sufficient space for the truck and unloading. If the location is difficult to access, we assess what is feasible beforehand.

How much space is needed to deliver a sea container?

For a safe delivery, the truck usually needs sufficient maneuvering space. This page assumes approximately 15 to 20 meters of straight space for safe approach and maneuvering. The exact space required depends on the vehicle, the container type, and the on-site situation.

What is the minimum overhead clearance for container transport?

For container transport, a minimum clearance height of 4.15 meters is generally required. When placing the container with a crane, even more height may be temporarily needed. Therefore, also consider trees, carports, cables and roof edges.

How much width is needed to place a shipping container?

When placing with a crane truck, approximately 5 meters of width is usually needed for the truck to stand stably and for the crane to safely deploy its outriggers. Therefore, for narrow locations, it is advisable to provide photos and measurements in advance.

What is the difference between delivery with a truck-mounted crane and a sidelifter?

A truck-mounted crane is often used for containers up to 20ft and usually has a greater reach, allowing the container to be placed further from the truck. A sideloader is often used for 40ft containers and usually places the container directly next to the truck. Which option is best depends on the space available on site.

Can a shipping container be placed over a fence or hedge?

That is sometimes possible, but only if the crane's reach is sufficient and the situation remains safe. The distance from the truck, the height of the fence, and any obstacles determine whether this is possible. In practice, this is custom work, so a few clear photos of the location help to assess this in advance.

Can a shipping container be delivered to a garden or driveway?

This is often possible, provided the location is easily accessible for heavy transport and the subsoil is suitable. Important factors include passageway, turning space, clearance height, and the exact spot where the container needs to be placed. Especially for residential properties, a preliminary check is advisable.

What are the requirements for the subfloor?

The subsurface must be level, stable, and have sufficient load-bearing capacity. A container is best placed on a good foundation, such as concrete slabs, concrete kerbs, or other sturdy supports. A soft, subsided, or wet subsurface can cause problems during both delivery and long-term use.